The 2009 Formula Renault 3.5 season review

The experienced Bertrand Baguette saw off the challenges of youngsters Charles Pic, Oliver Turvey, Jaime Alguersuari and Brendon Hartley to claim the title in his third season in the World Series

The fifth season of the World Series by Renault's Formula Renault 3.5 category wheeled into Barcelona in April fundamentally in good shape, if not escaping with immunity from the global downturn. A last-minute clamour of drivers taking advantage of cheap seats fleshed out the grid to near capacity.

P1 Motorsport, who had carried Giedo van der Garde to the 2008 title and were now pinning their hopes on Jersey's James Walker, secured the services of second driver Daniil Move just days before the opening round. Reigning teams' champions Tech 1 Racing were also made to sweat, completing an extremely late deal with Red Bull to field multiple British F3 race winner Brendon Hartley, who would not be afforded any testing.